--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Such seems to be the disposition of man…" description: "\"Such seems to be the disposition of man, that whatever makes a distinction produces rivalry.\" — Samuel Johnson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f9/samuel-johnson-50_disposition_such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man_1380661.png" --- # Such seems to be the disposition of man, that whatever… ![“Such seems to be the disposition of man, that whatever makes a distinction produces rivalry.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f9/samuel-johnson-50_disposition_such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man_1380661.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f9/samuel-johnson-50_disposition_such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man_1380661.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f9/samuel-johnson-50_disposition_such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man_1380661.png) > “Such seems to be the disposition of man, that whatever makes a distinction produces rivalry.” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human nature tends to create competition whenever differences are highlighted. **In simple terms:** Distinctions breed rivalry. Key Takeaway Be aware of how labeling fuels conflict. Themes human nature competition social dynamics Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical observational When to use this quote - political debates - marketing - team sports - cultural discussions Key Concepts psychology identity conflict theory Questions to Reflect On - When does rivalry become destructive? - Can shared goals reduce rivalry? A Different Perspective Sometimes rivalry can spur progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Disposition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disposition/) [Disposition Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disposition-man-2367209/) [Distinction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinction/) [Distinction Produces](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinction-produces-4782841/) [Human condition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-condition/) [Makes Distinction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/makes-distinction-3755238/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Produce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/produce/) [Produces Rivalry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/produces-rivalry-4782840/) [Rivalry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rivalry/) [Seems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seems/) ## Related quotes > [Heroism--that is the disposition of a man who aspires to a goal compared to which he himself is wholly insignificant. Heroism is the good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/heroism-that-is-the-disposition-of-a-man-who-aspires-to-a-goal/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [The great thing about being the only species that makes a distinction between right and wrong is that we can make up the rules…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-adams/the-great-thing-about-being-the-only-species-that-makes-a-distinction/) [Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-adams/) > [The greatest human virtue bears no proportion to human vanity. We always think ourselves better than we are, and are generally desirous that others…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-greatest-human-virtue-bears-no-proportion-to-human-vanity-we/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [The mental disease of the present generation is impatience of study, contempt of the great masters of ancient wisdom, and a disposition to rely…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-mental-disease-of-the-present-generation-is-impatience-of-study/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Nothing has tended more to retard the advancement of science than the disposition in vulgar minds to vilify what they cannot comprehend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/nothing-has-tended-more-to-retard-the-advancement-of-science-than-the/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/he-who-has-so-little-knowledge-of-human-nature-as-to-seek-happiness/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [The art of the writer, like that of the player, is attained by slow degrees. The power of distinguishing and discriminating comick characters, or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-art-of-the-writer-like-that-of-the-player-is-attained-by-slow/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Life admits not of delays; when pleasure can be had, it is fit to catch it. Every hour takes away part of the things…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/life-admits-not-of-delays-when-pleasure-can-be-had-it-is-fit-to-catch/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [It's true that tribal rivalries have something to do with political instability. It's also true that those rivalries were exaggerated by colonialism. Colonialism essentially…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/malidoma-patrice-some/it-s-true-that-tribal-rivalries-have-something-to-do-with-political/) [Malidoma Patrice Some](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/malidoma-patrice-some/) > [And remember, child, that nothing is ever done beautifully, which is done in rivalship; or nobly, which is done in pride.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ruskin/and-remember-child-that-nothing-is-ever-done-beautifully-which-is/) [John Ruskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ruskin/) > [Records don’t mean anything in rivalry games.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dez-bryant/records-don-t-mean-anything-in-rivalry-games/) [Dez Bryant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dez-bryant/) > [“There ought to be some mode of life where all love is good, where one love can't compete with another but adds to it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-golding/there-ought-to-be-some-mode-of-life-where-all-love-is-good-where-one/) [William Golding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-golding/) > [I think when you saw this year's playoffs, Miami and Detroit have a pretty fierce rivalry now. Also, the Suns and San Antonio look…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-starks/i-think-when-you-saw-this-year-s-playoffs-miami-and-detroit-have-a/) [John Starks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-starks/) > [A rivalry is me and James DeGale. That is ingrained in people now.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-groves/a-rivalry-is-me-and-james-degale-that-is-ingrained-in-people-now/) [George Groves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-groves/) > [Holy shadows of the dead, I'm not to blame for your cruel and bitter fate, but the accursed rivalry which brought sister nations and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-the-great/holy-shadows-of-the-dead-i-m-not-to-blame-for-your-cruel-and-bitter/) [Alexander the Great](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-the-great/) ## More by Samuel Johnson > [The size of a man's understanding might always be justly measured by his mirth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-size-of-a-man-s-understanding-might-always-be-justly-measured-by/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Pound St. Paul's Church into atoms, and consider any single atom; it is to be sure, good for nothing; but put all these atoms…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/pound-st-paul-s-church-into-atoms-and-consider-any-single-atom-it-is/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [You can never be wise unless you love reading.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/you-can-never-be-wise-unless-you-love-reading/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [If our aim is to praise, we should forget to criticize; if our aim is to criticize, we should remember to praise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/if-our-aim-is-to-praise-we-should-forget-to-criticize-if-our-aim-is/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [All theory is against free will; all experience is for it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/all-theory-is-against-free-will-all-experience-is-for-it/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Had I learned to fiddle, I should have done nothing else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/had-i-learned-to-fiddle-i-should-have-done-nothing-else/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [It is as foolish to make experiments upon the constancy of a friend, as upon the chastity of a wife.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/it-is-as-foolish-to-make-experiments-upon-the-constancy-of-a-friend/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Resolve not to be poor: whatever you have, spend less. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/resolve-not-to-be-poor-whatever-you-have-spend-less-poverty-is-a/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [The basis of all excellence is truth: he that professes love ought to feel its power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-basis-of-all-excellence-is-truth-he-that-professes-love-ought-to/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Words are daughters of earth but ideas are sons of heaven.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/words-are-daughters-of-earth-but-ideas-are-sons-of-heaven/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [“The composition of Shakespeare is a forest, in which oaks extend in the air, interspersed sometimes with weeds and brambles, and sometimes giving shelting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-composition-of-shakespeare-is-a-forest-in-which-oaks-extend-in/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [“The cherubim were never intended as an object of worship, because they were only the appendices to another thing. But a thing is then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-cherubim-were-never-intended-as-an-object-of-worship-because-they/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Nobody has the right to put another under such a difficulty that he must either hurt the person by telling the truth or hurt…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/nobody-has-the-right-to-put-another-under-such-a-difficulty-that-he/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [That kind of life is most happy which affords us most opportunities of gaining our own self-esteem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/that-kind-of-life-is-most-happy-which-affords-us-most-opportunities/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [The time will come to every human being when it must be known how well he can bear to die.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-time-will-come-to-every-human-being-when-it-must-be-known-how/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) [Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## More Disposition quotes > [Every wife ought to answer for her man. If the husband be engaged in a seditious club, or drinks mysterious healths, or be frugal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/every-wife-ought-to-answer-for-her-man-if-the-husband-be-engaged-in-a/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [I take up the standpoint that the tendency to aggression is an innate, independent, instinctual disposition in man, and I come back now to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sigmund-freud/i-take-up-the-standpoint-that-the-tendency-to-aggression-is-an-innate/) [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) > [The world around us is an increasingly hostile and sinful place. Occasionally that splashes onto us, and perhaps, in the case of a few…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-r-holland/the-world-around-us-is-an-increasingly-hostile-and-sinful-place/) [Jeffrey R. Holland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-r-holland/) > [Jane had that happy disposition which would like to imagine that every one really wishes the well-being of his neighbour and struggles, though sometimes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phyllis-bottome/jane-had-that-happy-disposition-which-would-like-to-imagine-that/) [Phyllis Bottome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-bottome/) > [Forget the noose. Forget the Iron Maiden. Forget the electric chair or the guillotine. The mind was mankind's most painful torture chamber, the blessed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tiffanie-debartolo/forget-the-noose-forget-the-iron-maiden-forget-the-electric-chair-or/) [Tiffanie DeBartolo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tiffanie-debartolo/) > [Being a Catholic, I was drawn to the mystery of the Latin and the smoke and the mirrors and all of that. That part…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-sarandon/being-a-catholic-i-was-drawn-to-the-mystery-of-the-latin-and-the/) [Susan Sarandon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-sarandon/) > [Thence, I suppose, my natural disposition to make fresh acquaintances, and to break with them so readily, although always for a good reason, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giacomo-casanova/thence-i-suppose-my-natural-disposition-to-make-fresh-acquaintances/) [Giacomo Casanova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giacomo-casanova/) > [I am still determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martha-washington/i-am-still-determined-to-be-cheerful-and-happy-in-whatever-situation/) [Martha Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martha-washington/) > [True humanity consists not in a squeamish ear; it consists not in starting or shrinking at tales of misery, but in a disposition of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-james/true-humanity-consists-not-in-a-squeamish-ear-it-consists-not-in/) [Charles James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-james/) > [There are petty-minded people who cannot endure to be reminded of their ignorance because, since they are usually quite blind to all things, quite…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-de-souvre-marquise-de-sable/there-are-petty-minded-people-who-cannot-endure-to-be-reminded-of/) [Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-de-souvre-marquise-de-sable/) > [If my ruling disposition is self-interest, I perceive that everything that happens to me is always for or against my self-interest; if, on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/if-my-ruling-disposition-is-self-interest-i-perceive-that-everything/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [And I saw for the first time how, despite the isolation of our own lives, we are always connected to our ancestors; our bodies…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alyson-richman/and-i-saw-for-the-first-time-how-despite-the-isolation-of-our-own/) [Alyson Richman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alyson-richman/) > [All acts suppose certain dispositions, and habits of mind and heart, which may be in themselves states of enjoyment or of wretchedness, and which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-stuart-mill/all-acts-suppose-certain-dispositions-and-habits-of-mind-and-heart/) [John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stuart-mill/) > [You can't let your personal disposition be dictated by the world around you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greg-graffin/you-can-t-let-your-personal-disposition-be-dictated-by-the-world/) [Greg Graffin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/greg-graffin/) > [With a basic understanding of all humans as brothers and sisters, we can appreciate the usefulness of different systems and ideologies that can accommodate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/with-a-basic-understanding-of-all-humans-as-brothers-and-sisters-we/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) [Browse all 629 Disposition quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disposition/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Such seems to be the disposition of man, that whatever makes a distinction produces rivalry.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Samuel Johnson" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man-that-whatever-makes-a/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Disposition" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man-that-whatever-makes-a/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f9/samuel-johnson-50_disposition_such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man_1380661.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f9/samuel-johnson-50_disposition_such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man_1380661.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f9/samuel-johnson-50_disposition_such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man_1380661.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Such seems to be the disposition of man, that whatever makes a distinction produces rivalry.” — Samuel Johnson", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Samuel Johnson", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Such seems to be the disposition...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man-that-whatever-makes-a/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/such-seems-to-be-the-disposition-of-man-that-whatever-makes-a/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```